More seismic shifts are on the way in college football, according to reports from numerous outlets. Pac-12 stalwarts USC and UCLA are both planning to leave the conference they co-founded to join the Big Ten as early as 2024, according to reporter Jon Wilner on Thursday.
The move follows the stunning revelation nearly a year ago that Texas and Oklahoma would be leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC, setting the stage for the creation of “megaconferences” that could change the landscape of college football in a major way. It also leaves the Pac-12 and the Big 12 with major questions about their future status as major power conferences.
Source: USC and UCLA are planning to leave for the Big Ten as early as 2024. Move *has not been finalized* at the highest levels of power.
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) June 30, 2022
Wilner’s report was later confirmed by Sports Illustrated‘s Ross Dellenger and The Athletic‘s Nicole Auerbach.
The move leaves college football fans stunned and pondering many questions about what the future of college football will look like with expanded megaconferences, like the Big Ten and the SEC, adding multiple powerhouse programs.